System and method for providing program-related content in a multi-services distribution system

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment of the present invention, programming content and program-rated content (PRC) cues are delivered to a subscriber via an interactive multi-service distribution network. The PRC cues comprise interactive visual elements that may be used to create a PRC object that is selectable by a subscriber. Upon selection of a PRC object, the subscriber receives PRC through a communication service separate from the video programming delivery service, VOD service, PVR service, and NDVR service.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/756,868, entitled “System and Method For Providing Program-RelatedContent In A Multi-Services Distribution System,” filed on Jun. 1, 2007,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) cable networks were originally built to deliverbroadcast-quality TV signals to homes. The wide availability of suchsystems and the extremely wide bandwidth of these systems led to theextension of their functionality to include delivery of high-speedbroadband data signals to end-users. Data over Cable System InterfaceSpecifications (DOCSIS), a protocol developed under the leadership ofCable Television Laboratories, Inc., has been established as the majorindustry standard for two-way communications over HFC cable plants. Useof the DOCSIS protocol and quality-of-service management has furtherallowed HFC cable systems to deliver telephone service to subscribersover a packet switched network using the Internet protocol.

Large cable networks comprise distributed video and data facilities. Ina typical network architecture, video is distributed to subscribers ingeographically segmented markets via a dedicated headend that servicesmultiple hubs and nodes. Regional data centers support multiple headendsthrough separate fiber links for delivery of data and telephoneservices. Coordination of subscriber video services and subscriber dataservices (e.g., e-mail, web browsing, VoIP) is required for billingpurposes and, increasingly, to provide cross-over services that use bothvideo facilities and data facilities. For example, a video terminaldevice (“VTD”) not only provides video services to the subscriber, butmay provide the subscriber access to e-mail, web-browsing, and voiceservices.

Increasingly, entertainment programs delivered by program distributionnetworks include interactive features, which often relate to theprogramming content that is being shown to a user. For example, an“INFO” icon may appear on the TV screen while a regional football gameis being shown, a selection of which by a remote control results in adisplay of scores of other regional football games being played. Asimilar icon may appear on the TV screen while a commercial is beingshown, a selection of which results in a display of program-relatedcontent (PRC), e.g., information relating to a product or service beingpromoted in the commercial. To ensure a timely presentation of aninteractive feature, the corresponding interactive application data maybe received and stored in the user's set-top box in advance of itspresentation or may be delivered via headends using VOD infrastructure.

Interactive television offers subscribers a variety of ways to interactwith television programming. For example, subscribers may view web pagesthat complement a program, receive e-mail links to web pages related toa particular program, participate in polls, surveys, games and quizzes,order product samples, catalogs, brochures and other items, join onlinechats while watching a particular program, engage in e-commerce, andstore upcoming programs on their personal video recorder.

These interactive services are provided in many forms. For example,RespondTV is Internet-based and requires a WebTV Plus box or a digitalset-top box with a cable modem. Wink provides services through serversplaced in the facilities of the local cable operators, which serversconvey responses back through the Wink system.

In the past, the interactive application data was transmitted to aset-top box by time-division multiplexing the data with a transportstream via an out-of-band channel or using a VOD architecture. Whatwould be useful is a system and method that would provide PRC tosubscribers without disrupting the display of video programming, withoutdepending on the storage resources of a VTD for displaying the PRC,without depending on a headend NDVR, and without further use of thelimited video bandwidth that is available.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment of the present invention, programming content andprogram-related content (PRC) cues are delivered to a subscriber via aninteractive multi-service distribution network. The PRC cues includeinteractive visual elements that may be used to create a PRC object thatis selectable by a subscriber. Upon selection of a PRC object, thesubscriber receives PRC through a communication service separate fromthe video programming delivery service, VOD service, PVR service, andNDVR service.

By way of illustration and not as a limitation, an interactivemulti-service distribution network may be provided over a hybrid fibercoax (HFC) network. In this embodiment, the PRC may be transported overa high speed data (HSD) service for receipt on a desktop computer, aportable computer, a personal data assistant, or a telephone. Upstreamfrom a hub, HSD service utilizes resources that are distinct from theresources used to provide video services. Thus, the delivery of PRC tothe subscriber does not require the video services resources. Using theHSD service, the PRC may be delivered in a text format, a video format,an audio format, or a multi-media format. By way of illustration and notas a limitation, PRC may be delivered in the form of text to an e-mailaccount and/or delivered as an audio message to a telephone or avoice-mail storage system for later retrieval.

In an exemplary embodiment, video programming and PRC cues are deliveredvia an HFC multi-service network to a video terminal device (VTD) andconverted to a PRC object for display on a subscriber display device.When a PRC object is selected by the subscriber, a selection signal iscommunicated over an upstream channel of the HFC network to a PRCserver. The PRC server accesses a central datastore that relatesidentifying information associated with the VTD from which the selectionsignal was sent to identifying information of the video-subscriber. ThePRC server then uses the VTD information to access the subscriberidentifying formation to determine whether the subscriber is also asubscriber of high-speed data (HSD) service and, if so, thecommunication services to which the subscriber is entitled to receivethat operate over the HSD infrastructure that could be used as atransport media for the PRC. If the subscriber is a subscriber of HSDservices, the PRC server also acquires addressing information from thecentral datastore relating to each of the communication servicesavailable to the subscriber.

In another embodiment, if a subscriber is not a subscriber of HSDservice, a message is displayed on the subscriber's VTD that to receivePRC, the subscriber is required to subscribe to the HSD services offeredby the HFC multi-service network provider.

Depending on the PRC, one or more communication services offered over anHSD service may be appropriate for transport of the selected PRC. In anembodiment, the PRC cue indicates the communication service that will beused to deliver the PRC. If the PRC may be transported by multipleservices, the subscriber is provided a PRC object for each availablecommunication service and may thus select the communication service orservices over which the PRC will be delivered to the subscriber.

The delivery of PRC may be supported by a number of business models. Theoperator of a multi-service distribution network may charge for theplacement of a PRC cue in a video stream. The rate to be charged for theplacement of the PRC cue may be based on the time of day, the program“rating” (a measure of the number of viewers watching a program), andthe channel on which the program is carried. Additional charges may beimposed based on the number of unique selections of a PRC cue and/or onthe number of PRC deliveries arising from the presentation of the PRCcue. Charges may also be imposed based on the size of the PRC asmeasured in bytes, words, pages, or similar measures.

In another embodiment, a VTD includes a standalone set-top box (STB);however, this is not meant as a limitation. For example, a VTDperforming the communication functions of an STB may be incorporatedinto a cable-ready television with the security and access functionsperformed by an external PCMCIA type card. See, e.g., OpenCable™Multistream CableCARD Interface Specification OC-SP-MC-IF-I02-040831.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a multi-service distributionnetwork adapted to provide program related content.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of purchasing employing a PRC.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of purchasing a ring-tone.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wish-list establishment method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description of the present invention that follows utilizes a numberof acronyms the definitions of which are provided below for the sake ofclarity and comprehension.

PRC- Program related content. PRC cue- A flag inserted into a videostream that is associated with a particular instance of PRC. PRC client-A software application operated in a video termination device thatdetects a PRC cue and creates a PRC object for display on a displaydevice. PRC object- A graphical element that is viewable on a displaydevice and that is selectable by a subscriber. HFC- Hybrid fiber coax.VOD- Video-on-demand. PVR- Personal video recorder. NDVR- Networkdigital video recorder. HSD- High speed data. Communications A servicethat is provided over a HSD service- service, as, for example, e-mailservice and digital telephone service. Digital telephone a voice over IP(VoIP) service provided over service- the HSD service infrastructurethat may comprise optional feature services such as voice mail. VTD- avideo termination device, such as, but not limited to, a set-top box. AVTD performing the communication functions of an STB may be incorporatedinto a cable- ready television with the security and access functionsperformed by an external PCMCIA type card. See, e.g., OpenCable ™Multistream CableCARD Interface Specification OC-SP-MC-IF-I02-040831.Video programming a service for delivery of video content to a deliveryservice- subscriber over dedicated resources that connect theprogramming source to a hub. Hub- a component of a multi-servicedistribution network in which video content provided via a videoprogramming delivery service and content provided via a HSD service arecombined for delivery to a subscriber.

In an embodiment, programming content and program-related content (PRC)cues are delivered to a video terminal device (VTD) operated by asubscriber via an interactive multi-service distribution network. A PRCclient residing in the VTD is responsive to a PRC cue to produce a PRCobject that is selectable by the subscriber during the viewing of aprogram.

A PRC cue comprises data that is broadcasted along with the video streamthat notifies the VTD of an event in time and that can be used toinitiate an interactive application that is associated with the videoprogramming. Various cueing technologies have been described by industrystandards bodies such as ISO, SMPTE and ATSC. For example, the ISOspecifications for Digital Storage Media Control and Command (DSMCC)define means for inserting events in the video stream to achievesynchronization of the interactive data with the video content.

The selection of a PRC object allows the subscriber to receive PRCthrough a communications service separate from a video programmingdelivery service that does not require the resources of a videoprogramming delivery service. By way of illustration and not as alimitation, an interactive multi-service distribution network may beprovided over a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, a fiber network, and asatellite network. The PRC cues may be transported over the videoservices infrastructure while the PRC may be transported using the HSDinfrastructure using a communications service that the subscriber isauthorized to receive.

The PRC cue can include an identifier that identifies the PRC to bedelivered in response to the selection of the PRC object and,optionally, information about the communications service over which thePRC will be provided to the subscriber. The program related content(PRC) may take various forms. For example, a PRC cue/object relates toan internal promotion and/or upgrades relating to products and servicesoffered by the operator of a multi-service distribution network 108. Inanother example, a PRC object (generated from a PRC cue) appears duringa movie trailer and provides a prompt that allows customers to requestlocal theater show times via a communications service such as e-mail. Instill another example, a PRC object appears during the playing of amusic video thereby allowing the subscriber to obtain the lyrics of thesong being performed. In yet another example, a PRC object appearsduring a news broadcast to provide a subscriber with more informationabout a story or a person depicted in a story. In another example, avideo display displays a PRC object during an advertisement allowing thesubscriber to receive printable coupons or sign up for samplemerchandise. In yet another example, selection of the PRC objectprovides a subscriber with contact information (for example, a telephonenumber, a URL, or an e-mail address) regarding a product or serviceobviating the need to remember or write down the information during theviewing of the related program. In still another example, during a sportbroadcast, a PRC object provides team and player statistics via textmessaging to a cell phone or instant messaging service.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a multi-service distributionnetwork 108 of an embodiment adapted to provide PRC. Headend 102includes video delivery resources 110. By way of illustration and not asa limitation, video delivery resources 110 may include devices fordistribution of broadcast programming, video-on-demand (VOD)programming, pay-per-view programming and other video service offerings.PRC cue system 112 injects selected PRC cues into the program content.Without limiting the foregoing, PRC cues may be injected into the videocontent by adding additional content to the video stream, altering thevideo stream, and/or by preempting a portion of the video stream.

Central subscriber datastore 128 includes subscriber identifying data130, device data 132, and HSD services data 134. HSD services data 134further includes e-mail data 136 and digital telephone data 138.Generally, central subscriber datastore 128 includes data that areunique to subscriber 140. For example, device data 132 can be a uniqueidentifier for each device connected to the multi-service distributionnetwork 108. Knowledge of the unique identifier associated with any suchdevice will provide headend 102 (as described below) access to thesubscriber identifying data 130 and the HSD services data 134.

Video content containing PRC cues may be sent to video terminationdevice (VTD) 146 associated with subscriber 140 via a downstream path104. While the VTD 146 is illustrated as a standalone device, this isnot meant as a limitation. For example, a VTD 146 performing thecommunication functions of a set-top box may be incorporated into acable-ready television with the security and access functions performedby an external PCMCIA type card. See, e.g., OpenCable™ MultistreamCableCARD Interface Specification OC-SP-MC-IF-I02-040831.

VTD 146 can possess a unique VTD identifier that is associated withsubscriber 140. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, theunique VTD identifier may be a MAC address of the VTD or an identifierassigned by the operator of the multi-service distribution network 108.Central subscriber datastore 128 stores the unique VTD identifier asdevice data 132.

VTD 146 can interact with visual cues by execution of PRC client 150.PRC client 150 may include software that detects a PRC cue, creates aPRC object viewable by subscriber 140, and renders the PRC objectselectable by a subscriber. In an embodiment, a PRC cue interacts withPRC client 150 in accordance with configuration data of the PRC client150. Configuration data may be used to establish a PRC object displayinterval, a PRC object opacity, a PRC object size, and/or a PRC objectdisplay location. The configuration of the PRC client 150 may be underthe control of the operator of a multi-service distribution network 108.The PRC client 150 may be configured to receive configuration data fromthe subscriber 140, either through a local graphical user interface (notillustrated) or through a web interface operated by the operator of amulti-service distribution network 108. The configuration data may alsoinclude a disable-PRC-objects function, which, when selected by thesubscriber, disables the PRC client 150 so as not to process PRC cues orproduce PRC objects.

A PRC cue may be present when a program is broadcast or delivered forviewing. If a subscriber utilizes a NDVR or PDR, the viewing of aprogram may be sufficiently delayed from its scheduled viewing time thatthe PRC is no longer available for delivery to the subscriber. In such acircumstance, a PRC cue may include “view-by” data that is used by thePRC client 150 to determine whether to display a PRC object. By way ofillustration and not as a limitation, “view-by” data may take the formof an expiration date and time, an elapsed time since the program wasfirst scheduled for viewing by the subscriber, or a link to the PRCdistribution manager 126. In this latter example, the PRC distributionmanager 126 contains a status identifier indicative of whether the PRCis currently available for delivery. Based on the status identifier, thePRC client 150 will either display the PRC object or ignore the PRC cue.

An HSD subscriber may be entitled to receive e-mail via an e-mailservice provided by the operator of the multi-service distributionnetwork 108 or may utilize a mail server operated by a third-party. Ineither case, an e-mail address associated with the subscriber 140 isstored as e-mail data 136 as a subset of HSD services data 134 withincentral subscriber datastore 128. The e-mail address for receipt of PRCmay be selected by subscriber 140 and stored as e-mail data 136.

Subscriber 140 may also be entitled to receive digital telephone serviceover the HSD service provided by the operator of the multi-servicedistribution network 108. The telephone number of the subscriber 140 canbe stored as digital telephone data 138. Digital telephone data 138 alsomay include a voice mail status identifier that indicates that thesubscriber 140 has activated a voice-mail account.

Depending on the PRC, one or more communications services may beappropriate for transport of the selected PRC. For example, the PRC cueindicates the communication service that will be used to transport thePRC. The PRC cue may limit the transport to e-mail service because ofthe media or size of the PRC or because of the action a subscriber is totake with respect to the PRC. Thus, text that includes content to beprinted may only be available by e-mail. PRC may be available as anaudio file. Depending on the size of the file, the audio file may bedelivered using e-mail service or digital telephone service. Further,the PRC may be attached or pasted into an e-mail or the e-mail maycontain a link to a server where a file comprising PRC may bedownloaded.

If the PRC may be transported by multiple communication services,subscriber 140 is provided with a PRC cue/object for each availablecommunication service and may thus select the communication service orservices over which the PRC will be delivered.

Regardless of the communications service that is used to transport thePRC, the video programming delivery service of the multi-servicedistribution network 108 is not involved in the transport or storage ofthe PRC. Thus, PRC may be provided to subscriber 140 without consumingnetwork resources needed to support VOD services, broadcast services,NDVR services, and PDR services.

PRC client 150 receives a PRC object selection signal from a remotecontrol device operated by the subscriber 140 and sends a PRC requestsignal to PRC server 116 via upstream path 106. The PRC request signalmay include: a PRC identifier associated with the PRC requested bysubscriber 140, a communication service by which the PRC will betransported to subscriber 140, and/or the VTD identifier of the VTD 146from which the PRC signal originated.

The PRC server 116 includes a subscriber correlation manager 122, a PRCstorage manager 124, and a PRC distribution manager 126. Subscribercorrelation manager 122 accesses the central subscriber datastore 128 toaccess device data 132. Using the VTD identifier included in the PRCsignal, the subscriber correlation manager 122 accesses subscriberidentifying data 130 to acquire subscriber identifying data associatedwith subscriber 140. By way of illustration and not as a limitation,subscriber identifying information can include: a subscriber accountnumber, a subscriber name, and/or a subscriber address. Subscribercorrelation manager 122 uses the subscriber identifying informationassociated with subscriber 140 to locate HSD services data 134associated with subscriber 140.

The subscriber correlation manager 122 can also access the centralsubscriber datastore 128 to access device data 130. Using the VTDidentifier included in the PRC signal, the subscriber correlationmanager 122 finds a device identifier associated with a cable modem 142associated with subscriber 140. The device identifier associated withthe cable modem 142 is then used to locate HSD services data 134associated with subscriber 140.

If e-mail is selected as the communication service for delivery of thePRC, the subscriber correlation manager 122 uses the HSD services data134 to obtain the e-mail address of the subscriber from e-mail data 136.The subscriber correlation manager 122 passes the e-mail address to PRCdistribution manager 126. The PRC distribution manager 126 retrieves thePRC from PRC storage manager 124 and either pastes the PRC into ane-mail or attaches the PRC to an e-mail addressed to the e-mail addressobtained from e-mail data 136.

If digital telephone service is selected as the communication servicefor delivery of the PRC, the subscriber correlation manager 122 uses theHSD services data 134 to obtain the subscriber telephone number. In oneexample, the PRC is delivered directly to the subscriber following theselection of the PRC object by phone or text message. In anotherexample, the subscriber correlation manager checks the digital telephonedata 138 for a voice mail status identifier indicating that thesubscriber 140 has activated a voice mail account. If a voice mailaccount has been activated, the PRC is delivered directly to voice-mailwithout ringing the subscriber's telephone.

Subscriber 140 may configure PRC client 150 to establish a preference onhow PRC is to be delivered to a telephone. The preference information isconveyed in the PRC selection signal sent by PRC client 150 and is usedby PRC distribution manager 126 to determine the mechanism by which thePRC is delivered to subscriber 140.

The operator of the multi-service distribution network 108 may providePRC delivery services to promote its own services or to promote productsand services of third parties for a fee. In the case of the latter, afee structure model may include fees related to the transport of a PRCcue, “clicks” on a PRC object generated from the PRC cue by subscribers,and/or purchases made in response to the presentation of a PRC object.The fee structure may be cumulative such that the operator of themulti-service distribution network 108 may collect the transport fee,the transport fee plus the “click” fee, and/or the transport fee plusthe click fee plus the purchase fee depending on the behavior of thesubscriber.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of employing a PRC in purchasing. As is wellknown, there are a number of businesses now offering legal downloads ofmedia of various type. One of the most ubiquitous of these is iTunes®offered by Apple Computer as an adjunct service to those purchasing itsiPod® product. Other similar services are also available. In thisillustration, a PRC client receives a PRC cue and creates a PRC objectthat may be displayed during a music video. If the user desires topurchase a download of the song being played, the user selects the PRCobject in step 200. The PRC manager receives the PRC cue notification atthe PRC server 116. The PRC server 116 access a database of providers instep 202 who have contracted with the owner of the media deliveryservice. This database will include the identity and communication linksto the provider together with salient contract information such as feesfor a “click through” to the service provider and/or a fee to be chargedfor each download provided by the service provider to the subscriber.

PRC server 116 sends notification of the selection of the PRC object bythe subscriber to the service provider in step 204. The service providerin turn provides the download of the selected tune to the subscriber instep 206. Depending on the contract terms, the service provider can beinvoiced based on every request in step 208 or receives notificationfrom the service provider that a download was provided to a subscriber,which will then result in an invoice on a periodic basis. Of course,music files are not the only types of download files envisioned. Asvideo downloads become more prevalent, it is envisioned that video fileswill also become part of such distribution and commerce. Other types ofgraphic files known to those in the art will also be the subject of suchselection and download, including, by way of illustration and not aslimitation, photographs, screen savers, clip art, DVD and CD covergraphics, architectural drawings, plans for hobbies and crafts, sewingand knitting patterns, and the like.

Download of ring tones is also a popular and increasingly valuableservice offered by cell phone companies. Currently, telephone serviceproviders such a Cingular and Verizon offer specific downloads of ringtones for a fee. Ring tones can also be created from downloads from theInternet.

Referring now to FIG. 3 illustrates a method of purchasing. In thisinstance, a subscriber may be viewing a music program such as thatoffered on MTV®, or CMT® over the video network. Upon receipt of a PRCcue, the PRC client creates a PRC object that can be selected by thesubscriber in step 200. Upon selection of the PRC object, notificationwill be provided to the PRC server 116. The PRC server 116 will accessthe subscriber identifying data 130 to determine the cell phone serviceprovider of the subscriber and cell phone number of the subscriber.Thereafter, the provider database will be accessed in step 202, whichincludes communication information for the cell phone provider. The PRCserver 116 sends notification to the cell phone provider in step 204 toprovide the desired ring tone to the subscriber. Thereafter, the cellphone provider 212 downloads the ring tone in step 210. An invoice forthe PRC cue/object is then periodically sent to the cell phone providerin step 208.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of establishing a “wish list.” In thisillustration, a PRC client receives a PRC cue and creates a PRC objectthat may be displayed during a commercial or during actual programviewing. If the user desires to place the product or service on a wishlist, the subscriber selects the PRC object in step 200. The PRC managerreceives the PRC cue/object selection notification at the PRC server116. The PRC server 116 will access the subscriber identifying data 130to determine the identity and mailing information of the subscriber andwhether the subscriber has authorized such data to be made available tomerchants/service providers. The PRC server 116 accesses a database ofproviders in step 202, which includes merchants offering goods andservices to subscribers of the video service and who have contractedwith the owner of the video delivery service. This database willcomprise the identity and communication links to the provider/merchanttogether with salient contract information such as fees for a “clickthrough” to the merchant/service provider, or fee to be charged for eachitem placed on the wish list of the subscriber.

Notification step 204 of the wish item is then made to the merchants214, 216 together with salient contact information of the subscriber.Thereafter the merchant 214, 216 can set up a wish list for thesubscriber in a wish list database 218, 220 which can be access by thoseinterested in purchasing a gift for the subscriber.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be, without limitation, embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that theexamples and embodiments described herein are in all respectsillustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of thepresent invention will recognize that other embodiments using theconcepts described herein are also possible. Further, any reference toclaim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,”“an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to thesingular. Moreover, a reference to a specific time, time interval, andinstantiation of scripts or code segments is in all respectsillustrative and not limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A video termination device (VTD) for facilitatingdelivery of program related content (PRC) to a subscriber devicecomprising: a processor configured with processor executableinstructions to cause the VTD to perform operations comprising:receiving a video programming stream from a video delivery resourcedevice over a multi-service distribution network, wherein the videoprogramming stream includes a PRC cue that comprises a communicationservice identifier identifying a communication service for transport ofthe PRC and view-by data comprising a link to a PRC server devicestoring a status identifier, wherein the status identifier is indicativeof whether the PRC is available for delivery to the subscriber device;acquiring the view-by data from the PRC cue; determining from theview-by data if the PRC has expired; disregarding the PRC cue inresponse to determining that the PRC has expired; displaying a PRCobject on a display device based on the PRC cue to indicate-anavailability of the PRC in response to determining that the PRC has notexpired; receiving a user input selecting the displayed PRC object;sending a PRC request signal including the communication serviceidentifier identifying the communication service to the PRC serverdevice to initiate transport of the PRC contained in the PRC cue via thecommunicate service to the subscriber device in response to receivingthe user input selecting the displayed PRC object; receivingconfiguration data that comprises a PRC object display interval, a PRCobject opacity, a PRC object size, a PRC object display location, adisable-PRC-objects function or any combination thereof; displaying thePRC object based on the received configuration data; determining whetherthe disable PRC object function is selected; and ceasing to process PRCcues and generate PRC objects in response to determining that thedisable PRC object function is selected.
 2. The VTD of claim 1, whereinthe communication service comprises an e-mail service, a text-messagingservice, a cellular telephone service, a digital telephone service, orany combination thereof.
 3. The VTD of claim 1, wherein the VTDcomprises a set-top box, a cable-ready television, a personal computer,or any combination thereof.
 4. A system for delivering program relatedcontent (PRC) to a subscriber device comprising: a video terminationdevice (VTD); and a PRC server device; wherein the VTD comprising aprocessor configured with processor executable instructions to cause theVTD to perform operations comprising: receiving a video programmingstream from a video delivery resource device over a multi-servicedistribution network, wherein the video programming stream includes aPRC cue that comprises a communication service identifier identifying acommunication service for transport of the PRC and view-by datacomprising a link to the PRC server device, the PRC server devicestoring a status identifier, wherein the status identifier is indicativeof whether the PRC is available for delivery to the subscriber device;acquiring the view-by data from the PRC cue; determining from theview-by data if the PRC has expired; disregarding the PRC cue inresponse to determining that the PRC has expired; displaying a PRCobject on a display device based on the PRC cue to indicate-anavailability of the PRC in response to determining that the PRC has notexpired; receiving a user input selecting the displayed PRC object; andsending a PRC request signal including the communication serviceidentifier identifying the communication service to the PRC serverdevice to initiate transport of the PRC contained in the PRC cue via thecommunicate service to the subscriber device in response to receivingthe user input selecting the displayed PRC object; receivingconfiguration data that comprises a PRC object display interval, a PRCobject opacity, a PRC object size, a PRC object display location, adisable-PRC-objects function or any combination thereof; displaying, bythe processor, the PRC object based on the received configuration data;determining, by the processor, whether the disable PRC object functionis selected; and ceasing, by the processor, to process PRC cues andgenerate PRC objects in response to determining that the disable PRCobject function is selected; and wherein the PRC server device comprisesa processor configured with processor executable instructions to causethe PRC server device to perform operations comprising: receiving thePRC request signal, wherein the PRC request signal further comprises anidentifier of the VTD; obtaining subscriber identifying data related tothe communication service from a datastore based on the identifier ofthe VTD; and transporting the PRC via the communication service to thesubscriber device based on the subscriber identifying data.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, further comprising: a PRC cue injection devicecomprising a processor configured with processor executable instructionsto cause the PRC cue injection device to inject the PRC cue into thevideo programming stream.
 6. A method for delivering program relatedcontent (PRC) to a subscriber device, the method comprising: receiving,by a processor of a video termination device (VTD), a video programmingstream from a video delivery resource device over a multi-servicedistribution network, wherein the video programming stream includes aPRC cue that comprises a communication service identifier identifying acommunication service for transport of the PRC and view-by datacomprising a link to a PRC server device storing a status identifier,wherein the status identifier is indicative of whether the PRC isavailable for delivery to the subscriber device; acquiring, by theprocessor, the view-by data from the PRC cue; determining, by theprocessor, from the view-by data if the PRC has expired; disregarding,by the processor, the PRC cue in response to determining that the PRChas expired; displaying, by the processor, a PRC object on a displaydevice based on the PRC cue to indicate-an availability of the PRC inresponse to determining that the PRC has not expired; receiving, by theprocessor, a user input selecting the displayed PRC object; sending, bythe processor, a PRC request signal including the communication serviceidentifier identifying the communication service to the PRC serverdevice to initiate transport of the PRC contained in the PRC cue via thecommunication service to the subscriber device in response to receivingthe user input selecting the displayed PRC object; receivingconfiguration data that comprises a PRC object display interval, a PRCobject opacity, a PRC object size, a PRC object display location, adisable-PRC-objects function or any combination thereof; displaying, bythe processor, the PRC object based on the received configuration data;determining, by the processor, whether the disable PRC object functionis selected; and ceasing, by the processor, to process PRC cues andgenerate PRC objects in response to determining that the disable PRCobject function is selected.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thecommunication service comprises an e-mail service, a text-messagingservice, a cellular telephone service, a digital telephone service, orany combination thereof.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the VTDcomprises a set-top box, a cable-ready television, a personal computer,or any combination thereof.